Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been named the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday.
Ten Hag takes over from Xabi Alonso, who departed last week to join Real Madrid after a highly successful spell.
The Dutchman has been out of management since October, when he was dismissed by United following a difficult start to the season.
During his two-year tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag led United to EFL Cup glory in 2022–23 and secured the FA Cup with a win over Manchester City the following season.
Despite these successes, he was replaced by Ruben Amorim in November with the club struggling in 14th place in the Premier League.
Ten Hag, 55, made his name at Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and guided the Dutch side to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Leverkusen come off a historic 2023–24 campaign under Alonso, having won their first-ever Bundesliga title unbeaten, claimed the DFB-Pokal, and reached the Europa League final, where they fell 3-0 to Atalanta.
Outgoing: Xabi Alonso.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ten Hag said he is eager to build on the team’s recent achievements.
“Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and among the top in Europe,” he said. “The ambition here is clear, and the discussions with the management have been impressive. I look forward to developing a competitive and ambitious team during this new phase.”
Ten Hag had been linked with a return to Ajax before choosing to join Bundesliga runners-up Leverkusen.
